The Vacheron Constantincommunity

Vacheron Constantin and the National Opera of Paris
december 2010

On Saturday, November 20th Paris’ Palais Garnier played host to Vacheron Constantin, the oldest horological Manufacture in the world having enjoyed uninterrupted activity since its founding in 1755, as well as hundreds of the Manufacture’s esteemed guests for the much-anticipated 30th anniversary celebration of the AROP (Friends of the Paris Opera and Ballet). Presiding over the momentous occasion were Jean-Louis Beffa, President of the AROP, Nicolas Joel, Director of the National Opera of Paris, and Brigitte Lefèvre, Director of Dance. Representatives of Vacheron Constantin consisted of none other than Juan-Carlos Torres, CEO of Vacheron Constantin, Marc Guten, the International Director, and Jean-Yves di Martino, the Director of France for Vacheron Constantin.

Guests then had the opportunity to admire the Vacheron Constantin watch " Métiers d’Art – Chagall & l’Opéra de Paris" manufactured specifically for this event to celebrate the anniversary. This unique timepiece boasts a reproduction of remarkable detail and quality of the famous ceiling of the Opera painted by renowned artist Marc Chagall. This remarkable watch was realized using a traditional Genevan technique known as " Grand Feu ", characterized by miniature painting on enamel, this meticulous process is specific to the Swiss city and passed down from generation to generation by masters of this art. After a global presentation of this unique watch, it will join the private collection of the Vacheron Constantin Maison.

For the benefit and pleasure of more than 1600 people, stars of the Paris Opera and divas from around the world offered an array of performances each more magnificent than the last. Especially noteworthy was Nicolas Le Riche who performed Ravel’s Boléro after enchanting the audience with a perfectly choreographed performance of Maurice Béjart, not to mention singer Nathalie Dessay who chose Lammermoor’s Air de la folie de Lucia and performed the piece exceptionally well.